During challenging times leading up to World War II, the founder of what was originally known as the Robinson Shade Company, Mr. Overton T. Robinson, introduced the first aluminum Venetian blind to Lexington and later to the entire nation. He was a pioneer in indoor window treatments, as wooden Venetian blinds were the predominant option available in the South at the time. Amid the ongoing war in Germany, the company in Lexington, Kentucky, was diligently engaged in fulfilling government contracts by manufacturing tents and naval artillery covers. A double-needle sewing machine—affectionately named "Big John" by our employees—was leased from the government for this purpose and subsequently purchased after the war. This sewing machine continued to be in service until (Date), and we proudly retain it as part of our company history today.

In the post-war era, the company experienced significant growth and expanded its product offerings as service members returned home. Eventually, the company adopted the name Lex-Tent Corporation, seizing opportunities to provide a diverse range of products to the burgeoning Lexington and surrounding areas.

As window treatment styles evolved, our company adapted by introducing canvas and vinyl fabric window shades, which became commonplace in schools and offices throughout the country from the company's inception until the late 1970s.

On November 30, 1964, Lexington Tent & Awning Co. was officially incorporated. This led to the establishment of the Durawear Products Co., a division of Lexington Tent & Awning Co., Inc., which diversified our product line to include patio and den furniture, storm windows and doors, patio doors, carports, garage doors, aluminum screens and shutters, bath accessories, shower doors, shower curtains, shower rods, medicine cabinets, bulletin boards, chalkboards, tackboards, lockers, shelving, folding doors and partitions, flagpoles, and even phone booths.

In the early 1980s, the Durawear Products Co. expanded further by opening a second location, moving from 419 S. Broadway in Lexington, Kentucky, to the Lexington Mall off Richmond Road. At the Lexington Mall location, we offered carpeting for homes and offices, supported by a full staff of carpet installers. Some years, we successfully moved an impressive 1,000,000 yards of carpet.